Sleeping in the Dog House

February 2018

TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY

Barkwells, The Dog Lovers’ Vacation Retreat, is opening a second location near Brevard. The upscale resort self-describes as dog-centric, and its website instructs dogs on why they should convince their people to take them there. Ellen and Michael Winner opened the first Barkwells in Mills River in 2003. The vacation rental retreat featured 8 luxury cabins, each with its own fenced yard on 9 enclosed acres. The new location will begin with just 2 cabins on 6 acres. One is decorated in a Southern Living motif, while the other is very vintage. All cabins are equipped with doggie doors, porches, and fire places for the dogs; and hot tubs, cell service, wireless internet, and Direct TV for their humans. Common areas include acres of meadowland and a pond. The Winners were attracted to the second property because of the existing house, which now serves as their home and headquarters. While they are still researching its history, it is at least 150 years old, but sturdy and well-maintained with modern amenities. The couple also intends to renovate the archetypal Americana barn on the premises. Through the years, thousands of dogs have heeded the website’s command to “Come. Sit. Stay.”